Introducing Animatronic ("Robotic") Pets for Residents Living with Dementia in Longterm Care: Practical Delivery Implications for Recreation Staff

Background/Purpose: Therapeutic, non-pharmacological interventions involving animatronic ("robotic") cats and dogs are frequently delivered within long-term care (LTC) settings. To date, researchers have focused on therapeutic impacts for residents living with mild-to-moderate dementia. The objective of this project, however, was to explore practical considerations for introducing robotic pet programming into a LTC setting for this resident population.

Method: Data from longitudinal qualitative group views and observations were synthesized and triangulated to understand and evaluate practical approaches to facilitating robotic pet programming for residents living with dementia in LTC. Two group interviews with recreation staff (n=4-6) from a care facility in Calgary, Alberta, were conducted to compare perspectives before and one month after the program's introduction. Researchers also observed program delivery during this period.

Results: Recreation staff and researchers noted a range of resident responses to robotic pets, from strong attachments to disinterest. Offering residents opportunities to briefly "take care of the pets" to assist staff enhanced engagement for some residents. Staff and researchers noted anxiety when residents were disinterested in robotic pets or were ready for an interaction to end. Intake assessments establishing past trauma related to animals could suggest exclusion from the intervention, yet a history of pet ownership was not necessary for a resident to benefit from robotic pets.

Discussion: Robotic pet programming may enhance quality of life for many but not all LTC residents living with dementia. How staff deliver the intervention can influence resident response. An awareness of prospective challenges will help mitigate unintended negative experiences for some residents.

Conclusion: Understanding the practical implications of introducing robotic pets into care settings will help enhance robotic pets' therapeutic potential for residents living with mild-to-moderate dementia.